Giant snails as pets? What you should know about the trend

You may have already noticed the trend of keeping giant snails as pets. Here’s what you need to know about it

Giant snails as pets: All you need to know

You are probably already following the giant snail trend, especially on social media.

• Because there are numerous photos and videos circulating of people who keep giant snails as pets.

• These are African giant snails, which, as the name suggests, come from Africa.

• These reach a size of around 8 to 20 centimetres.

• Due to their origin, it is also important to keep them correctly in this country. An average temperature of around 22 degrees and a humidity of around 80 to 90 percent are recommended. This can be easily regulated in a terrarium

• If you have acquired a giant snail, however, it is important that you adjust the humidity and temperature to the animal’s needs.

Possible dangers from the pet

For many people, it seems impossible that a snail poses a danger. However, this is not uncommon with giant snails.

• Because they can transmit some diseases that are not good for humans.

• Scientists from Switzerland have identified 36 pathogens, some of which can also be transmitted to humans. The results of their study were published in the journal “Parasites & Vectors”.

• For example, the rat lungworm is one of the pathogens that can cause meningitis.

• It can even be fatal, especially for children.

• Accordingly, it should be well thought out whether a giant snail is the right pet.

• Direct skin contact should be avoided in all cases.